Scharfenkamp won't seek
re-election in fall

Two-term Carroll City Councilman Jeff Scharfenkamp announced Monday night that he will not seek re-election to his at-large seat representing the full city.

"I don't plan on seeking another term on the council," Scharfenkamp said. "I've greatly enjoyed my time here. It's nothing that I'm dissatisfied with. I've come to the conclusion that eight years are enough. I have young kids at home."

Scharfenkamp, 50, president and CEO of Carroll County State Bank, earned his council seat with a victory in 2005 over Pat Venteicher in the at-large contest, having lost a challenge four years earlier to then Councilman Don Nepple. Scharfenkamp ran unopposed in 2009.

He urged Carroll residents to consider running for the seat he's vacating, noting that it is one of two at-large seats, qualifying most adults in the city limits to seek the office.

"I haven't had any regrets," Scharfenkamp said. "It hasn't always been fun every night, but most nights it really has. It really is an opportunity to make a difference."

Scharfenkamp grew up on a Lidderdale farm, a son of John and Karen Scharfenkamp. A 1980 Kuemper Catholic High School graduate, Scharfenkamp went on to earn his degree in business and finance at Iowa State University in 1984 and then pursued a career in banking.

Scharfenkamp and his wife, Sue, have three children: Kate, 30; Cale, 15; and Eli, 11. Jeff and Sue have one grandson, Luka, 4.

The filing period for the November city elections begins Aug. 26 and closes on Sept. 19. Candidates can take out papers at city hall or online through the Iowa Secretary of State's Office - sos.iowa.gov

Councilmen Mike Eifler and Michael Kots are also up for re-election as is Mayor Adam Schweers. Kots and Schweers have indicated they will likely run. Eifler has not made public comments on a possible re-election bid.